I had a morning meeting with Nuffield Scholar, Hugh Richies. Hugh studied No Till farming for his Nuffield and currently grows Buttercup Squash, Sweetcorn for canning, maize and grass for his sheep and cattle. Hugh has 9 employees, including a farm manager for his livestock enterprise. Hughs wife, Sharon comes from an education background and has used her knowledge of staff management in that role to bring some great ideas to their farm business.

After lunch Nuffield Scholar Sandra Faulkner and I traveled 3 hours north to Gisborne, the location of their family property. As we traveled it was interesting to note the large numbers of commercial pine plantations, which support the large timber industry of this area.

Some of the picturesque scenery as we traveled

The property 'Wairakaia'  is quite diversified. Their enterprises include Sheep, buttercup squash, sweetcorn for seed, maize and a citrus orchard. Sandra & Rob farm the property together with Robs sister Joe & Brother in law Bruce